Safety play in billiards is a sophisticated defensive strategy employed when a direct offensive shot is either too risky or unavailable. Instead of attempting to pocket a ball, the primary objective of a safety is to leave your opponent in a difficult, if not impossible, position, thereby gaining an advantage or forcing a foul. This often involves intentionally leaving the cue ball "hooked" or "snookered" behind another ball, making a direct hit on their object ball impossible without a kick or jump shot. Other safety tactics include hiding the cue ball far away, freezing an opponent's ball to a rail, or placing it in a location that forces a low-percentage bank or long cut shot. Mastering safety play requires exceptional cue ball control, an acute understanding of angles and rail play, and the foresight to anticipate your opponent's potential responses, transforming a seemingly defensive move into a powerful offensive weapon that can win games by creating ball-in-hand opportunities or forcing mistakes.